Bachmann to run for leadership post

From NBC's Luke Russert One thing to look for now that Rep. Mike Pence has stepped down as GOP Conference Chair, GOP sources tell NBC News that Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., may attempt to try and run for the position of GOP Conference Chairman.

Bachmann enjoys a lot of popularity with the Tea Party as well as with many of the new faces who won election last night.

Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, has indicated he wants to run for Pence's position. Hensarling is a very close ally of Eric Cantor, R-Va., and the GOP establishment. He also is on the short list to possibly be Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

If Bachmann decides to run, it could mean the first "Establishment versus Tea Party" battle within the GOP Leadership.

In that battle, it is now unclear who would prevail because it is not known who the newly elected House Republicans would support.

*** UPDATE *** Bachmann has now formally announced her intention to run for the post.

Bachmann’s decision to enter the race comes after GOP establishment favorite Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) announced his decision to seek the chairmanship with an endorsement and full support from future Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA).

While Bachmann’s campaign will create a lot of buzz in GOP circles, a senior GOP aide on Capitol Hill tells NBC News that a chance of a Bachmann victory is, “slim to none.” The aide continued, “She’d be hard-pressed to find the votes to win that job.”

Despite an uphill battle, Bachmann will not back down. Bachmann aide Sergio Gor tells NBC News, “This election told us that Constitutional Conservatives can win all across America, it’s important that they have a seat at the Leadership table.”

One supporter of Bachmann tells NBC News that she would be a welcome candidate because, “she would stand up to leadership and not allow the GOP to be co-opted by Democrats.”

The election for Conference Chair will most likely occur on November 17th.